Gerald Ray Schultz was born Aug. 3, 1941, in Seward, to Lawrence and Anna (Idhe) Schultz and passed away Feb. 28, 2024, at Tabitha in Lincoln, at the age of 82 years, 6 months and 25 days.
Gerald grew up in Seward, where he attended and graduated from Seward High School with the Class of 1959. In band, he played the baritone and was also on the football team. After high school, Gerald joined the National Guard and then the United States Army in 1960. Gerald married the love of his life, forming a strong union with Marcia Kirch, on April 12, 1961, in Seward. To this union, four children were born. Gerald then transferred to the Army National Guard in Colorado. Years later, he transferred back to Seward, where he retired from the Army in 2001. He was also employed by Walkers for 18 years, then worked part-time maintenance at the rest area.
Gerald loved God, family, and leaves behind a rich legacy of living biblically. Gerald had a passion for listening to his audio Bible every day. Gerald enjoyed the outdoors and especially loved taking drives with Marcia. His hobbies included archery, creating custom long bows, carpentry, woodworking and loved all animals, especially his dogs. John Wayne westerns and watching Husker football with a bowl of snacks, was one of his favorite pastimes. The children remember Sunday drives along with the comfort and security their dad brought to his family. He was also known to pick up his guitar occasionally and sing. Gerald taught his family to live, love and laugh.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jim Schultz and Sam Schultz; infant brother, Robert Schultz; infant sister, Pauline Schultz; son-in-law, Juan Hernandez; and four great-grandchildren.
Survivors cherishing his memory include his beautiful wife of 63 years, Marcia Schultz, “Can't Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley was their song; children and their spouses, Randi Hernandez, Seward, Gayle (Rod) Richards, Seward, Jerry (Laura) Schultz, Goehner, and Rita (Tony) Pagliero, Butte, Montana; 14 grandchildren and their spouses, Marcia Hernandez, Stacy (Travis) Crow, Martin (Madison) Richards, Sarita Richards, Jeremy Martin, April Keith, Jason Martin, Angie Flesner, Fred Schultz, Terra Eggum, Jeremy Ray Schultz, Justin Flesner, Antonia Pagliero, and August “AJ” Pagliero; 23 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister, JoAnn (Ray) Kotera; brother, Jack (Susan) Schultz; sister-in-law, Lisa Schultz; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The funeral service was March 5 at Great Plains Community Church in Goehner with interment at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery near Milford. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Schultz family for future designations. Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
